Chameleon

The Ravensmoore Chronicles #2

by Jillian Kent

How much can you really know about someone?
Lady Victoria Grayson has always considered herself a keen observer of human behavior. After battling a chronic childhood illness that kept her homebound for years, she journeys to London determined to have the adventure of a lifetime.

Jaded by his wartime profession as a spy, Lord Witt understands, more than most, that everyone is not always who they pretend to be. He meets Victoria after the Regent requests an investigation into the activities of her physician brother, Lord Ravensmoore.

Witt and Victoria become increasingly entangled in a plot targeting the lords of Parliament. Victoria is forced to question how well she knows those close to her while challenging Witt’s cynical nature and doubts about God. Together they must confront their pasts in order to solve a mystery that could devastate their future.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Regency, Mystery, Historical, Christian

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2012

Reviews

[Margaret Metz · Rating 5 out of 5]

She totally got me! Okay, I know I'm supposed to ramble on about the beautiful cover (isn't it gorgeous?), and the author's mad skills in creating characters, but I'm overwhelmed by how cleverly she crafted this plot. I can usually reason out the answer to mysteries pretty quickly. I didn't know anything until she wanted me to. I would guess and then some new bit of information would come out . . . It was fantastic!

I truly enjoyed the first book and was thrilled to meet back with so many of those characters again. Victoria was a fantastic leading lady and I loved her nickname. I have a chronic illness myself and totally understand her focus on studying people -- almost as if you are living vicariously through them. She has brains, beauty, and enough will to make her equal to any task. I liked her a lot.

Witt was my favorite kind of hero. He's a little bit of the bad boy -- though more misunderstood than truly bad. He has let his past define the man he is today. He's closed off, reserved, and private. The mystery in those grey eyes makes him even more attractive to Victoria.

The second book continues to address the treatment of the mentally ill, but it also touches on how women were viewed and what their roles should/could be.

This was a fascinating story that makes my favorites list. I want to thank the author and her publisher for providing me a copy of the book. It in no way influenced my review.

[Colletta Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just OK for me...

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're looking for a unique Christian fiction novel, then look no further than The Ravensmoore Chronicles series! Regency novels have been multiplying at a fast pace lately, but this is an older one that had a mystery included - a rare find. In addition to the mystery element, this author also used her knowledge of mental illness to explore the world of asylums which were notoriously known for how poorly they treated their patients.

The title of the book was interesting to me because it just seems different for Christian fiction. However, it was quickly obvious why this word was chosen as one character's ability to hide in plain sight was expertly written. The "chameleon" of the story ended up being the last person I expected!

There is only one more book to complete this series, and it focuses on the last sibling - Mercy. I'm anxious to see if her desire to follow in her brother's footsteps as a doctor becomes reality.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like the previous novel in this series, Chameleon is not just a romance but also a book that examines a ore serious side, mental health and its treatment in the early 19th century. As a reader of Christian romance and romance in general a lot of what I read sometimes comes across as "fluff" but this series has more substance and I love its Gothic feel. One of the author endorsements on the back cover states something along the lines that the book is a mix of Sherlock meets Jane Austen and I have to agree. I kept expecting Sherlock to pop up in one of the London alleyways! I love a good historical mystery or suspense and unfortunately there aren't enough out there but this one fits the bill.


If you haven't read the first book (it's been a while for me so I didn't remember a lot of details) you will still be able to follow along with the characters and the story line. In the beginning Victoria starts out as a bit of a TSTL (too stupid to live) heroine but as the story progresses she loses some of that naivete and becomes more believable and therefore becomes much more likable. I understand that she was ill for most of her life and cosseted and sheltered by her family but immediately trusting a stranger whom you met over an "almost corpse" is a bit unbelievable.


In the end however Ms. Kent weaves a web of intrigue that compares to Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia Grey series or Carol Carr's Madam of Espionage books. Romance, mystery and history abound in this book so it's sure to please fans of most any genre! Lovers of the classics and those who long for something different in the Christian fiction genre might want to give this one a try.

*I received my complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for posting my honest review.*

[MaryLu Tyndall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not your normal Regency
Far far better! I have to be honest, most historical romances tend to bore me. I write in this genre, and I love romance, but for me to be engaged in a story, there must be something else.. some intrigue, some adventure, suspense! That's why I loved this book so much. It has everything I love in a great novel. If you're looking for a mild, sweet story, this may not be the book for you. But if you want a heart-throbbing romance, a truly creepy-evil villain, a great mystery (who is trying to kill off members of Parliament?), and lots of adventure, then I'm sure you'll enjoy this book as much as I did. Don't get me wrong, there are your typical balls and haut-ton and the heroine is a sweet lady. There is also humor and some very tender moments. But Ms. Kent takes the reader into some of the shadier sides of Regency England and into the mindset of true evil. I applaud the author for delving into topics that most avoid. I note the author works as a counselor and has a degree in Social work which would explain her knowledge and interest in these areas. All in all, the entire novel was refreshingly different and highly engaging, and contains deep spiritual truths that stay with the reader far beyond the last page.

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightfull regency era novel, with a dash of dark mystery.


Enter a whole new world full of romance, chaperones, murder, and deceptive charm. Victoria is a young woman full of innocence, with an eye for observation, quick mind for thinking.


The mystery element of this book definitely added a darker edge to it, because the rest of the tale had a sort of Austen feel too it.


This might just be me, but I felt there were times when the book moved too slowly for my preferences and I felt like the book could have been a few pages shorter.


Overall this was a lovely book, that though part of a series works wonderfully as a stand alone. This is a book that will please those who are both mystery lovers and the regency fans!



I received this book from teh publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chameleon by Jillian Kent
Review by Kara Grant
Minor Spoilers


**Kent’s dedication: “This book is dedicated to the brokenhearted, to anyone who has ever felt left out, and to those who hold secrets close to their hearts.”


My Review
The moment I saw Julie Lessman’s comments with this book, “a mix of Sherlock Holmes meets Jane Austen,” I knew I had to get a copy! The book was really slow at times, but Kent does an excellent job of building up the villain and his motive within the story. Victoria is the perfect protagonist and I fully agreed with every emotion and situation she experienced. The book did well to describe multiple angles of narration. At times it’s with Victoria, at times it’s Lord Witt, at times it’s Lord Talon-the villain, and at times the narration reflects the patients in the asylum.

What I loved about the story
Victoria and her family; they really love each other and it’s such a pleasure seeing how they work together in this story
The romance between Lord Witt and Victoria; they are so sweet and protective of one another and I found their adventure together to be utterly refreshing
Lord Ravensmoore and his heart for helping the less fortunate; he understands people and reaches out to them even though it takes a toll on his reputation with Parliament
Lazarus the dog; LOOOOOVED him!!!!!

There is also considerable violence in the book that surprised me. It makes for a great page turner, but the men who are injured in the story each encounter serious wounds. One character even has to look away because of the gore inflicted on the first victim. The villain in the story has no mercy and wishes to kill each victim. Not everyone who gets attacked dies, but the way they are hunted gets very intense. There are members of Parliament in the story who are corrupt and they have no concern about how their actions affect others. One of the issues in this story is about sexual abuse, but it fit into the plot really well. There are no details, but the subject matter is not for younger readers and it was the harshest part of the story.

There are also a few scenes in the asylum when Lord Ravensmoore and Victoria visit and for sensitive readers like myself it tugs at the heart to experience what the patients endured in those days. The setting takes place in 1818, but the way Kent writes it’s just as realistic as being there. At one point Victoria and Lord Witt read the Bible to the girls they’re visiting and it changes the atmosphere. That was one of my favorite scenes. Scripture is mentioned throughout the story.

Kent brilliantly writes about characters who have trouble believing in God and prayer as well as characters like Victoria who have learned what it means to truly suffer and yet only see the goodness of God in everything. Victoria has such a sweet spirit to both love and forgive, she has a talent for listening and observing others, she enjoys life and has an appreciation for things most people take for granted, and she is also feisty. She does not want to be tampered down with rules, but she also respects her place under her brother’s authority. Despite certain content in this book that was harsh, I really loved reading about Victoria and her faithful companion Lazarus. They refuse to be what society expects of them yet they find adventure everywhere they go. They alone are worth reading this book and I highly recommend you grab a copy so you can experience their story! Please visit Jillian Kent at her website to learn more about her books and her wonderful personality, http://www.jilliankent.com/


I want to thank Charisma House for the paperback review copy they provided. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a MUST read book for anyone who happens across this title in their local book retailers who love a bit of Jane Austin and Sherlock Holmes blended perfectly together to keep you glued to the pages until the very end. In the second novel from the Ravensmoore Chronicles, Chameleon by Jillian Kent takes the readers on a mist-filled journey in the early 1800's in London.

Here we find ourselves introduced to the characters of Lady Victoria Grayson and her maid, Nora who are arriving by coach in the fog on their way to her brother, Lord Devlin Ravensmoore's home. After recovering from a long battle with illness, Lady Victoria is hoping for a bit of adventure as she returns to London and finds it with a bump in the road. When the carriage halts, they discover a body of Lord Stone who has been brutally attacked and left for dead on the road.

It is also where she meets Lord Witt, Joanathon Denning, who keeps her from seeing too much of the murder scene and who takes Lord Stone for medical treatment. When her brother, Lord Ravensmoore is called to attend to the injuries of Lord Stone as a practicing physician, she is left at home to wonder just what happened to this poor man.

When they search the body, Lord Witt discovers a prophetic note of warning:

"You have been found guilty of conspiring with sinful men for sinful purposes. I will now handle the situation as I see fit. Stone is only the first. Repent, you lords of parliament. ~ Lord Talon"

Now it seems that the injuries have been inflicted by some type of animal with large claws that attacked Lord Stones, face, neck and arms. Not sure if he will make it through the night, a meeting is called to warn the Lords of Parliament that a murder is on the loose. Plans must be made to possibly set a trap to catch this chameleon who walks among them and has such ready access to their whereabouts that he knows when and where each of them will be the most vulnerable and easy to reach.

I received Chameleon by Jillian Kent compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. Not having read the first book in this series, this one can be read as a stand alone. I was immediately hooked from the beginning due in part to the historical background Jillian Kent uses to establish this suspenseful mystery and being a huge fan of Jane Austin, this one really hit home for me. Jillian provides just a taste of what's really going on to tease the reader but not enough you have the book figured out before you get through the book which is a sign of a great writer for me.

I love the dark, misty feel of the 1800's in London where times were tough and the answers to questions were not always the easiest to find. The character of Lady Victoria Grayson is well-written and it was nice to follow her investigative instincts even though that was considered man's work back in those days. I am completely hooked on this series and will now be going back to find and read the first novel. I can't wait to see how this one will conclude. For me, this novel rates an amazing 5 out of 5 stars for romance with a suspenseful mystery thrown in!

[Carole Towriss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jillian Kent’s Chameleon is Book Two in her Regency romance series, “The Ravensmoore Chronicles.” In Book One, we met Lord Ravensmoore and Madeleine, who became his wife. Chameleon introduces us to the lord’s sister, Victoria.
It seems there is a plot against members of Parliament, and the first victim is taken on the night of Victoria’s arrival in London to visit her brother. On that night she also meets Lord Witt, who protects her from the gruesome scene and summons her brother.
From there, the plot thickens, as they say. The villain, Lord Talon, has trained hawks to kill. A desperate search is on to determine who exactly “Lord Talon” is. All are in danger until he is apprehended.
Against his better judgment—and that of Lord Ravensmoore—Lord Witt begins to fall in love with Victoria, which comes in handy when she is put in danger. Their relationship is sweet—and entertaining, as they are in many ways complete opposites. They learn, however, that they complement each other quite nicely.
Though Chameleon is part of a series, it can be read without having read the first book. Like the first, this novel deals with human behavior and the workings of the mind. The treatment of those who were mentally ill in this era is a major part of the plot, and again there are visits to the asylum. The prejudices against a lord practicing the “trade” of medicine, as well as the discrimination of women are accurately represented. A fascinating twist at the end—that I did not see coming—brings the book to a nice conclusion.
Jillian’s characters are wonderfully drawn. They are neither stereotypes not caricatures, but individuals with flaws and strengths. It was delightful getting to know them as I read this book. I eagerly await the third, the story of Lord Ravensmoore and Victoria’s sister, Mercy.

[Riccarla Roman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book. It's an inspirational Regency that deals with romance and Bedlam. It's also the second in a series and now I want to read the first one.

Lady Victoria is traveling to London to stay with her brother,Lord Ravensmoor. A man runs into her carriage in the fog. With her companion, Nora, and her faithful dog, Lazarus, Lady Victoria investigates. There is an injured man on the ground and another gentleman, Lord Witt, coming on the scene. He takes over and makes sure she doesn't see anything too gruesome.

She arrives at her brother's house only to have him called away. Devlin is a Lord and a physician. This annoys the Prince Regent and the other Lords - a Peer should not have a trade. But he is called to tend to the injured man who has been attacked by a hawk. A note from "Lord Talon" warns that other peers who hide dark sins will be punished the same way. The Prince assigns Lord Witt to investigate not only this crime but Lord Ravensmoor to find out his real motivation for wanting to be a doctor at Bedlam.

Of course, this means that he spends more time with Victoria. having been ill for much of her life, Victoria is happy to be in London and relies on her faith in God to strengthen her. Lord Witt isn't as interested in God, but being with Victoria gives him a chance to see real faith in action. Together, they work to unmask Lord Talon.

The romance is lovely and sweet but the really interesting sections of the novel deal with the treatment of the mentally ill, especially at Bethlem (nicknamed Bedlam). How could such seemingly intelligent men in Parliament really believe that the inhuman conditions in these asylums would cure anyone? The serious subject of abuse of several kinds is one of the main themes of this book, making it thought-provoking as well as romantic.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery takes center stage in this romantic suspense. Danger brings together a somewhat cynical hero, who would rather be raising his horses than spying on a fellow gentleman, and an adventure-seeking heroine, the sister of that gentleman. Together they seek to discover the person responsible for horrific attacks on the lords of Parliament---attacks instigated by a human, but not carried out by one.

Victoria is a fresh face. She's spunky. Naive. A little spoiled. And irresistable to Lord Witt. Jonathon Denning, aka Lord Witt, finds himself in the prickly position of being smitten with Victoria while risking the ire of the Prince Regent if his infatuation interferes with his duty.

Jillian Kent's Chameleon, the second book in The Ravensmoore Chronicles is not your run-of-the-mill Regency novel. Yes, it 's filled with lords and ladies. Yes, they attend a ball with other members of the ton. Yes, there's a romance. There are even scenes with "Prinny." But this book delves deeper into the less romantic side of early nineteenth-century London.

The reader is immediately drawn into the setting of a mist-shrouded London park and what is discovered there. From then on, the story rolls like the wheels of a speeding coach and four through the townhomes of the ton and behind the walls of Bedlam.

Though it's not a heavy tale, Ms. Kent takes us into the world of the mentally ill, someplace we don't usually go in a novel about Regency England. While the culprit was not a total surprise, she did get me with the twist. Good job!

Bottom line: If you enjoy regency romances or if your favorite genre is mystery/suspense, Chameleon is well worth the read.

[Kym McNabney · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you love a good murder mystery set in the early 1800’s, CHAMELEON by JILLIAN KENT is the novel for you. It’s well written with well thought-out characters, and descriptive details. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

Lady Victoria Grayson is swept into a new and exciting world. After being isolated with a childhood illness for most of her life, she is finally living what she had only read and dreamt of.

Lord Witt‘s wartime profession as a spy, taught him that all are not who they claim to be. When the Regent request Lord Witt to investigate Lady Victoria’s physician brother, Lord Ravensmoore, Witt could not have guessed he’d be taken with his sister.

It’s not long before Lady Vitoria and Lord Witt find themselves in the middle of a plot targeting the lords of Parliament. Together their feelings for one another will be tested, as well as their faith.

CHAMELEON is heavy on mystery, intrigue, and scandal with a light sprinkling of romance. CHAMELEON is as much about Lady Victoria and Lord Witt, as it is about Victoria’s brother, Lord Ravensmoore. As soon as Mercy came into the picture, I sense the next book in this series would be hers. What a great introduction to the next book.

[Susan Tuttle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Within the first few pages you're smack-dab in the middle of a mystery, one that comes to quite a unique end. While I would, at times, have liked the story to move at a slightly faster pace--and I think that's more my personality than anything to do with the author--Jillian did a masterful job of drawing you into the early 1800's and the lives of her characters. I especially loved watching the interplay between Victoria and her older brother, Lord Devlin Ravensmoore and I smiled each time he called her Snoop. So tender and cute.

The relationship between Witt and Victoria grows slowly throughout, and though I would have liked to learn more about Witt, he makes a wonderful leading man. Between falling in love with him and helping to solve the mystery that plagues both her brother and Witt, Victoria finally gets the adventure she's always longed for. So, if you love Historical Romance with a suspenseful twist, then I think this is one you'll enjoy.

[Ginger Solomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance, intrigue, and trouble - that's what Lady Victoria finds on her first day in London. That's also what you will find throughout this novel.

I loved Lazarus. He was such a lovable fellow. I just wanted to hug him. :-) I wasn't particularly fond of Lord Witt at first, but he quickly grew on me, as he did Lady Victoria.

The twist at the end, ah ha, well, that's all you're going to get out of me. Just know there is one and it is rather unexpected, but then that's why it's called a twist. :-)

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, which took me ONE day to read, and several hours of that day were spent doing other things. I devoured each page and dreaded having to put it aside for other activities. I stayed up late because I just couldn't stop reading.

Kudos to Jillian Kent for an awesome second book of the Ravensmoore Chronicles. While this is book two in the series, it is also stands alone.

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adventure in London is the heroine’s quest, and she gets plenty of adventure and brings many interesting characters along for the ride. All of the characters are well thought out and have lots of personality. Our villain, Lord Talon, is almost likable in caring for his hawks and slowly reveals his motivation for evil. Descriptions add to the 1800’s setting and the asylum reform introduced in the first book is just one of the social issues brought out in the book. There are several twists in the mystery which keep you reading and a surprise in the end.
This is the second in the Ravensmoore Chronicles, but it can stand alone. Having read an intriguing excerpt from the next book, I will put it on my Must Read list.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this look into Historical England...this book takes place in 1818. We begin with an attack by very big bird...a Hawk...on Lord Stone. What is going on? We are at the beginning of a a big scary mystery.
Lady Victoria Grayson, has journeyed to London, now in good health, she wants to enjoy life. She has gone to the home of her physician brother, Lord Ravensmoore.
With all that is going on her path crosses with Lord Witt. Sparks begin to fly between the two, and the mystery deepens. Love how Victoria embraces her new healthy life, and how she lets God lead her.
Don't want to get away the ending, but it will surely surprise you and sadden you at the same time.

I received this book from First Wildcard Tours, and the Publisher Realms, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Natasha Hagen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Goodreads for another great book.

What a great story. I did not read book one of the Ravensmoore Chronicles and was a little worried that I would not know what was happening, but that was not the case. If you love reading books about Lords and Ladies this is the book for you. It was an easy read and made me think of myself in the 18th century, the story was so real. Fun and exciting with a great twist at the end.

She touched on some real life issues that we still deal with today. If you are looking for a fun and entertaining book to read is the story for you.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of 3
*Great!

[Laura Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jillian Kent's second book in the Ravensmoore Chronicles delights and surprises. With twists and turns that no one saw coming,

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed